I am thankful to say that I watched a speech you made last night and it moved me to the point of tears. I had chills running up and down my spine as I listened to your explanation of the Bible in relation to homosexuality. For years I was filled with self-hatred. As a young adult I have tried t explain the responsibility the church has to the suicide of gay teens and the homophobic nature the church has fueled. My intent has been to show Christians how the church is turning family against family, youth against youth and degrading the self worth of those questioning their sexuality. I personally see the Bible as a living document that Christians will continue to grow and understand as they grow spiritually. I in no way want anyone to change their faith, only the voice and tone in which they express themselves in relation to the discussion of homosexuality. I look forward to finding and reading your publications in the near future. You are a living example of how Christ accepted outcasts and used them to teach the masses. May you forever be blessed and recognized for your contribution to the progressive rights for all humanity. I could never thank you enough for the lives you have saved and hearts to which you have brought much needed love, affection and understanding to. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
John 18 - “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
P.S. If you are ever in the Oklahoma area, I would love to have the opportunity to attend one of your events. May you continue to be blessed with the ability to speak to others and change religious and social views.
Dear Chase:
Thank you for your letter. I need to tell you that the gay and lesbian people taught me everything I know about homosexuality and, in the process, forced me to confront my own prejudices I stand deeply in their debt.
When I got to the place where I could in honesty stand at their side in the battle against homophobia, I began to experience the incredible hostility that happens to gay and lesbian people from inside religion in general and from some forms of Christianity in particular. Most of the death threats I have received came from “Bible-quoting true believers” and they came as a direct result of my witness on behalf of gay and lesbian Christians.
I have been to Oklahoma on several occasions so that I know there are Christian churches in that state that stand up against all diminishing human prejudices. One of those churches, the Mayflower Church, is in Oklahoma City and its pastor, Robin Meyers, is a national leader and a constant voice for both Christian truth and human justice. I know you would find a welcome in that church.
The other is a newly-formed United Church of Christ in Norman, Oklahoma. It is small but growing and willing to be quite public in its witness. They meet now in rented space but they are on the way. The world needs to know that there are Christian voices in Oklahoma that do not reflect the mentality so often encountered from well known public, and highly placed spokespersons, who are uninformed about homosexuality. (It is not deviant or chosen and it is not condemned in the gospels).
I hope you can find a home and a welcome and that when Christians sing, “Just as I am- O Lamb of God - I come,” they will mean it.
John Shelby Spong
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